Police arrested a 41-year-old bachelor after he was reported to have set his own house on fire at around 11:45 p.m. on June 1, 2026, in Purok Nangka 4, Sityo Panaghiusa, Barangay Panadtaran, San Fernando.
Suspect Identified
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Estong,” is unemployed and a resident of the area. He is currently detained at the San Fernando Police Station and will face arson charges.
Witness Accounts
According to neighbors, they saw the suspect, who appeared intoxicated and possibly under the influence of illegal drugs, before his room caught fire. Neighbors also reported seeing the suspect leave the house as the fire started. They chased him, but he managed to escape and disappeared from the scene.
FO1 Adrian Monteseno, investigator from the San Fernando Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), stated that witnesses positively identified the suspect as the one responsible for the fire.
Evidence Recovered
After the fire was extinguished, investigators recovered matches and candles from the burned area, which may aid in their investigation. However, during a follow-up operation, police were able to arrest the suspect.
Authorities also discovered that the suspect had recently been released from prison for a trespassing case.
